Employee Relations

OK to condition telecommuting on performance

01/31/2017

Employers often limit telecommuting to employees with high scores on their performance evaluations. That’s reasonable and likely will stand up in court.

8 ways to say ‘No’ to employees without damaging morale

01/29/2017

As a supervisor, you have many opportunities to affirm the ideas and actions of your employees. But sometimes, you need to say “no.” The challenge is to learn to say “no” without losing the goodwill and enthusiasm of your employees.

How many ‘work martyrs’ do you have on staff?

01/27/2017

Almost 40% of employees want to be seen by their boss as a “work martyr.”

Is drama about dress really worth a lawsuit?

01/19/2017

If you fire someone because the way she dresses causes drama in the workplace, you may face a sex discrimination and harassment claim.

Jury backs worker on progressive discipline

01/17/2017

A case we covered last month—see “Consistently apply progressive discipline” in the January 2017 issue of Texas Employment Law—has now gone to trial.

Is that protected activity or an argument? OK to discipline forbidden behavior

01/02/2017

Employers have to let workers raise concerns about safety and other workplace problems. However, they don’t have to put up with incessant arguing in the workplace.

Let employee pick location for performance review

12/22/2016

When you set up performance review meetings, let employees choose the time and place.

How to identify promotable employees

12/22/2016

For many organizations, promotions are random decisions left to managers. That’s a mistake … and a common one. Use these tips to choose the right people for advancement.

Simple idea for boosting productivity: Interdepartmental job swapping

12/20/2016

Do you think productivity gains come only from grand transformations? Sometimes, small, no-cost changes generate the greatest impact.

More employers opening their books to employees

12/14/2016

A new survey shows that private U.S. employers have become much more comfortable about sharing their finanical information with employees. Here are four tips for opening your books to staff …